Dental sedation is a great way to stay comfortable at the dentist’s office. But with so many different options, how do you know which one is best for you? In this article, we will explain the three most common types of dental sedation. This way, you can be informed before your talk with your dentist.
What is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation is an umbrella term for treatments that help you relax while getting dental work done. There are several types of dental sedation, ranging from full anesthesia to mild anxiety treatments. Here are the most common ones to be offered for dental work:
IV Sedation
With IV sedation, you will lose consciousness completely and wake up after your dental procedure is over. This is the classic type of anesthesia that is used for surgeries. As such, it’s only used during more complex dental procedures. While IV medications sound intimidating, they are safe and very effective.
Nitrous Oxide
For simpler procedures, you might be offered nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. This is one of the most common types of dental sedation. Unlike IV medication, laughing gas does not put you “to sleep” for your surgery. Instead, it reduces pain and anxiety so you can stay comfortable while being conscious.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This is also commonly used for dental procedures. Oral conscious sedation is a type of oral medication, which means you swallow the drug as a pill. These pills are prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon. You’ll grab them from your pharmacist and then take them before your procedure. There are different types of oral conscious sedation, but all give you a sense of calmness, anxiety relief, and pain relief. Like nitrous oxide, it’s an easy way to find relief while staying conscious. However, the medication takes a while to wear off, which means you will need transportation after your oral surgery.
Need More Information?
Learning about the types of dental sedation can be overwhelming. If you’re not sure which option is best for you, then talk to your dentist. They can help you make an informed decision. They can also give you advice about your procedure so you can know what to expect. To learn more about your smile, call Smiles Forever Dental today.